Error "The correct ports cannot be opened" occurs when using Windows Media Centre Extender on Xbox 360

You see the following error message when you finish installing the Windows Media Centre Extender setup programme:

Xbox 360 Setup is Finished. The correct ports cannot be opened

This may mean that the Windows Firewall is turned off on your computer.

During Windows Media Center Extender setup, Windows Firewall has to be updated to allow communication between the Windows Media Center-based computer and the Xbox 360 console. If the Windows Firewall service has been stopped, these updates can't occur, and the Windows Media Centre Extender setup programme won't install.

Note This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.

To start Windows Firewall on a computer that’s running Windows 8.1

1. On the Start screen, type "Windows Firewall".
2. Tap or click Windows Firewall.
3. Tap or click Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left-hand menu.
4. Tap or click the radio button next to every instance of Turn on Windows Firewall on the page.
5. Select Ok.
6. Run the Windows Media Centre Extender setup program again.

To turn Windows Firewall off again

If you previously didn’t use Windows Firewall and want to return to that configuration on a computer that’s running Windows 8.1, follow the steps below.

Note If you want to turn off Windows Firewall, make sure that you wait until after you install Windows Media Center Extender.

WARNING Use this workaround at your own risk. This workaround might make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this solution at your own discretion.

1. On the Start screen, type "Windows Firewall".
2. Tap or click Windows Firewall Properties.
3. Tap or click Turn Windows Firewall on or off in the left-hand menu.
4. Tap or click the radio button next to every instance of Turn off Windows Firewall on the page.
5. Select Ok.

For more information on using extenders with your Xbox 360 console, see the Windows Media Centre website. This website might not be available in all languages.